Yesterday was Delurker Day 2005, and I missed it.
But it’s such a great idea that I have to write about it. The concept comes from Chris at Creek Running North, and was picked up by Agitprop and Lauren.
Here is Chris’ description of the day:
And that’s fine. Nothing wrong with that. . .
[But] I get curious sometimes. Who are these readers? What are their lives like?
Like all of the bloggers above, I’m interested in knowing more about people who visit the site, but don’t comment.
I suspect that many lurkers are relatively new to the medium, and perhaps don’t know how much comments mean to bloggers. To a blogger, a comment is like a tip — it shows that what has been written is provocative or intriguing enough to elicit a response. For most of us, that interaction with our readers is what makes blogging worthwhile (it certainly isn’t the pay).
And it’s also the main way in which visitors to the site build community among themselves; such community-building is one of the best things that blogs can offer.
So, if you are a lurker, please delurk for a moment, and tell me something about yourself, or about how you feel about the site (or about blogs in general, or about anything). Please don’t be shy; I’d love to hear from you. If you’re worried about privacy, you can comment without providing a real name or email address (just make one up, like nospam@spam.com).
And to all the people who regularly take time out of their day to read this site and comment on my posts: Thank you.
11 Comments on "Delurker Day 2005"
Marco:
Matt,
I came to your site through searching for pictures of those drowned in Katrina’s aftermath. The media has cleaned up everything to make it appear, well, not horrific. But it was and still is horrific and I think all Americans sitting in the burbs or in urban blight should see what New Orleans really looks like. They can’t smell the stench of death in their livingrooms. I have a great attachment to the city because of what it has given this country, e.g. the music and food.
I started reading lit-blogs a while back after NPR aired a phone interview with Maud Newton, Ron Hogan and 2 other bloggers. I started my own blog in August. When Katrina hit and I learned about the levees in New Orleans through blogs, it gave me the anger and inspiration to rant some.
Keep up the fine work.
Terrence Ryan:
I forget how I came to your site. It must have been through Philly future or something. Anyway, I like your mix of politics and humor, so that’s why I read.
Matt:
It’s great to hear from both of you.
Marco — as you probably know from reading this site, I agree with you that America needs to stop and understand what happened in New Orleans. Soon after the hurricane, I felt that I wanted time — or the news cycle, at least — to stop. And I wanted to see a seismic shift in our public dialogue, with Americans doing more than donating money to charity and going about their business. I wanted people to look at those bodies and make a commitment not to support the kind of politicians or policies that would allow that to happen.
Some would argue that, given Bush’s falling poll numbers and dissension in the GOP ranks about how to pay for the reconstruction, that seismic shift has occurred.
But I’m not convinced that such a shift has happened. Not while I can still turn on my television and hear uncritical and triumphant reports about Bush returning to New Orleans to survey the damage. And certainly not while Bush uses the “Gulf Opportunity Zone” as an opportunity to institute a host of ultra-conservative policies.
I’m very happy to hear that you’re blogging — keep up the good work!
And Terrence — I like your mix of politics and humor, as well. And I’m looking forward to your version of the American screenplay.
mac:
I don’t comment a lot — but mostly it’s because I have nothing pertinent or useful to add. But I read every single word via RSS feed. Does that make me a stalker? *grin*
Matt:
If I’m going to have to have stalkers, mac, I’m honored that they’re of your stature.
albert:
i say if you rss the comments, then yes, you’re a stalker
Scott:
I don’t comment often, but I do read all your posts.
So.. umm… here’s a comment. :)
And since I don’t often comment I have never seen your uber-cool spell checker. Sweet.
Matt:
I appreciate that, Scott, especially knowing that you are not enamoured of politics. I guess that I mostly lurk on your blog, too — but I do read your stuff.
The spell-checker is a WordPress plugin that can be found here, btw.
blue girl:
The “Delurker Day” is an awesome idea. I’ve had many people say to me: “I read your blog but I never comment!” Or they’ll email me directly, but not comment directly on my blog.”
Maybe it should be “Delurker Week” — and let everyone get in on the game…
Matt:
Go ahead and do it, Blue Girl — every day is a good day for delurking.
Luna:
Ok, i totally misssed this post and just saw it…but hi! I never comment either, but do check often :-)
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